About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Why Do Palpitations Occur?
Introduction
Palpitations are the sensation of an abnormal heartbeat, which can feel like a rapid, fluttering, or pounding sensation in the chest. They can be occasional, frequent, or persistent and may be caused by a variety of physiological and pathological conditions.
Common Causes of Palpitations
1. Physiological Causes (Non-Dangerous)
- Stress and Anxiety: Adrenaline release leads to increased heart rate.
- Caffeine Intake: Stimulants in coffee, tea, and energy drinks can trigger palpitations.
- Nicotine and Alcohol: Both can disrupt normal heart rhythms.
- Physical Exertion: Exercise can produce rapid heartbeats that may feel like palpitations.
2. Cardiac Causes (Heart-Related)
- Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms):
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Premature atrial or ventricular contractions (PACs, PVCs)
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Structural Heart Disease: Conditions like cardiomyopathy or valvular disease can contribute.
- Coronary Artery Disease: Insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle may cause irregular heart rhythms.
3. Metabolic and Hormonal Causes
- Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormones can overstimulate the heart.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can trigger adrenaline release.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, or calcium affect heart function.
4. Medication and Drug-Related Causes
- Decongestants and certain asthma medications (e.g., beta-agonists)
- Some antidepressants and weight loss supplements
- Recreational drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if palpitations are accompanied by: - Dizziness or fainting - Chest pain or discomfort - Shortness of breath - A history of heart disease
Conclusion
Palpitations can be harmless or a sign of an underlying condition. Recognizing triggers and seeking timely medical advice helps ensure heart health and peace of mind.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.